The Mater Dei Handbells Ensemble instruments are composed of gold bells rung by hand or hit with mallets, and echoing a soft sound through its curved shape. These bells come in various sizes, emulating various tones which, when strung together, can produce any imaginable song. 

But the music cannot be put together on its own. Rather, talented musicians stand behind each of these bells, allowing the essence of sound to be heard. Each musician, with careful movements in bringing their arms up to their chest, and carefully extending them at the right moment, bringing them to life as they do so. 

Behind the velvet curtains of the stage, however, there is a family of friends who have one another’s backs through the most stressful times of the performance year. Both in and out of class, every member of the ensemble’s voice is heard, each one as important as the other. Their first thirty minutes of class are spent in the Bristol tents, talking amongst themselves and doing any planning that may be necessary, accompanied with natural conversation and fun. Once the Monarch Pavilion is no longer occupied by the previous class, the group is able to enter the Bristol tents for the last forty-five minutes of class and begin their hands-on work. As they pull out supplies for practices, from bell cushions to sheet music, they enjoy the company of one another, the ringing of their own laughter mimicking the ringing of the handbells themselves. Their friendships, created on a bond of great bond of trust, allows them to have a completely unique faith in each other.

Through months of teamwork, communication, and understanding on how to listen for one another, the Handbells Ensemble is able to create enchanting music, and inevitably put on a great show. As they evenly distribute workloads, meticulously practice different arrangements, and review errors, they are able to create flawless pieces. While glossing over these mistakes there is a laugh, smile, and joke, dissolving tensions. The students’ independence, in both individual leadership, and ability to carry each other past the walls of a class, reflects in their performance and composure.